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WOT*

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JUG

INDIGENOUS FLOWERS

OF THE

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

FORTY-FOUR PLATES
PAINTED IN WATER-COLOURS

AND DESCRIBED

Mrs. FRANCIS SINCLAIR, J R -

n j-^AIR IS THE BIRD ON LUSTROUS WINGS,

^ND STARS THROUGH ALL NIGHTS SILENT HOURS ;

j3uT FIRST OF ALL CREATED THINGS

Jn WONDROUS BEAUTY, STAND THE FLOWERS.

LONDON:

SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON, SEARLE, AND RIVINGTON

i88 5

WHO

Jo THE JEaWAIIAN PhIEFS AND JeOPLE,

HAVE BEEN MY MOST APPRECIATIVE FRIENDS,
AND MOST LENIENT CRITICS,

THIS WORK IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED.

jwITHOGRAPHED BY

J-,eighton Brothers, Phromatic Jointers,
JStANHOP'E pFoUSE, pRURY pANE,
PONDON.

INTRODUCTION.

The Hawaiian Islands have never been celebrated for the beauty of their
flora. Indeed, to a stranger, they almost seem destitute of indigenous flowers.
But when one comes to search, on hill and plain, sea-coast and cloud-enveloped
mountain, it is astonishing the number and variety that are to be found. The
islands do not possess many field flowers — in the usual acceptation of the term—
but they are rich in flowering trees, shrubs, and vines.

In describing the plants, the seasons are often mentioned. This may be a
little confusing to those who are under the impression that the islands possess
altogether a tropical climate, with simply a wet and dry season. On the contrary,
they enjoy so nearly a temperate climate, that summer and winter, spring and
autumn, are pretty distinctly marked. And although plant-life is not nearly so much
affected by the seasons, as in colder climates, yet the sleep of winter, and the
awakening of spring, are quite apparent.

The following collection of flowers was made upon the islands of Kauai and
Niihau, the most northern of the Hawaiian Archipelago. It is not by any means a
large collection, considering that the flowering plants of the islands are said by
naturalists to exceed four hundred varieties. But this enumeration was made some
years ago, and it is probable that many plants have become extinct since then.

The Hawaiian flora seems (like the native human inhabitant) to grow in an
easy careless way, which, though pleasingly artistic, and well adapted to what may
be termed the natural state of the islands, will not long survive the invasion of
foreign plants, and changed conditions. Forest fires, animals, and agriculture, have
so changed the islands, within the last fifty or sixty years, that one can now travel
for miles, in some districts, without finding a single indigenous plant ; the ground
being wholly taken possession of by weeds, shrubs, and grasses, imported from
various countries. It is remarkable that plants from both tropical and temperate
regions seem to thrive equally well on these islands, many of them spreading as
if by magic, and rapidly exterminating much of the native flora.

It is only possible to give an approximate definition of the habitat of the
various plants ; as it often happens, that a lowland plant is found on the mountains,
or a mountain plant is found on the coast ; but, as a general rule, the habitat
given will be found fairly correct. The climate of the islands is greatly modified
by the trade-winds. Consequently, plants which are natives of the warm lowlands,
may sometimes find a congenial abode at a high elevation, in localities that are
sheltered from these cool bracing winds. On the other hand, plants, which are only
found on the high cool mountains on the western, warm side of the islands, are
often found flourishing near the coast on the eastern, cool side.

INTRODUCTION.

In giving the Hawaiian names, great care has been taken to be strictly
accurate; but it is often difficult to learn from the ordinary native of the present
day, the names of even comparatively common plants, and doubly so with regard
to the rarer mountain species. This is partly owing to the changing vegetation,
but much more so to the changed habits of the people themselves. Formerly they
took a much more intelligent interest in natural objects than they do now, and
were nearly all well acquainted with the flora of the islands, and the properties of
the various plants, while their former modes of life afforded them many more
opportunities and inducements to pursue the study. In olden times, and even to
within the last fifty or sixty years, great numbers of the inhabitants went into the
mountain districts annually, for various purposes, such as canoe-making, bird-
catching, wood-cutting, gathering medicinal herbs, and many other pursuits of
pleasure or profit. But of late years the old, healthful, industrious life has so
changed, that it is now very seldom they make such expeditions. Consequently it
is only from old people — and few even of them — that any reliable information can
be obtained, regarding plants which have their habitat far from the abodes of the
people of the present generation.

Another difficulty with Hawaiian names, — a difficulty common to all nations
without a written language (it was only about fifty years ago that the language
was reduced to writing) — is that many plants are known by different names in
different districts. But they can generally be traced throughout the islands by a
similarity of story and folk-lore connected with each ; and many and graceful are
these myths, handed down from generation to generation, seemingly from very
ancient times. The Hawaiians, like all their race throughout the Pacific, have a
most wonderful and intense love of the beauties of nature. Seldom is there found
any one more appreciative of the beauty and subtile charm of flowers, than the
simple Hawaiian of a generation that is fast passing away.

None can know, save those who have painted flowers in the tropics, the diffi-
culties encountered in obtaining a satisfactory representation, owing to the fragile
nature of most of the flowers, and also to the heat of the climate. Many of the
flowers fade immediately after they are gathered, and all decay very much sooner
than those of temperate climates ; thus rendering the utmost expedition necessary —
a state of things by no means conducive to the successful execution of the paintings.
However, notwithstanding the difficulties encountered, if the perusal of the present
work should give as much pleasure as its production has given ; or, if it lead
others to take up the same wide and delightful study, the author’s object will be
fully accomplished.

Isabella Sinclair.

Makaweli, Kauai.

May , 1884 ..

The Author is indebted to the courtesy and kindness of Sir Joseph D. Hooker
for the botanical names of the plants.

London, February , 1885.

I. S.

CONTENTS.

Plate

Hau.

Hibiscus tiliaceus , Linn.

Ohia-lehua. Metrosideros polymorpha , Gaud. var.

I eie. Freycinetia arborea, Gaud.

PlOl. Smilax sandwicensis, Kth.

Nukuiwi.

Strongylodon lucidum , Seem.

Puakauhi.

Canavalia ensiformis, D. C. ?

Kou.

Cordia subcordata , Lam.

Kokio-keokeo. Hibiscus Arnottianus , A. Gray, forma.

Kokio-ula. Hibiscus Arnottianus , A. Gray, forma.

Milo.

Thespesia popidnea , Corr.

1 1

Hauhele.

Hibiscus Youngianus, Gaud.

I 2

Koall-awallia. Ipomoea ( Pharbitis ) insular is, Choisy.

Koali-ai.

Ipomoea palmata , Forsk.

Pilikai.

Ipomoea Turpethum , R. Br. ?

Uala.

Ipomoea Batatas , Lam.

Pohuehue. Ipomoea pescaproe , Sw.

I 7

Puakala.

Argemone mexicana , Linn. var.

Wiliwili.

Erythrina monosperma , Gaud. ?

Poolanui.

Coreopsis cosmoides , A. Gray.

Ukiuki.

Dianella ensifolia , Red.

2 1

Nehe.

Lipochceta australis , A. Gray. var.

Ohai.

Sesbania (Agati) tomentosa , A. Gray.

Mao.

Gossypium tomentosum, Nutt.

Aeae.

Lyciuni sandzvicense, A. Gray.

CONTENT S.

Plate

Kauila.

Alphitonia excels a, Reiss.

Kolokolo.

Fzfe.tr trifolia , Linn. var. unifoliolata.

K olokolo-kuah 1 Wl . Lysimachia Hillebrandi ,

anCcl, Vigna lutea, A. Gray. & Hlinakai.

H Ol. Dioscorea sativa , Linn.

Nohu.

Tribulus cistoides , Linn.

Kakalaioa.

Coesalpinia Bonducella, Flem.

N aupaka.

Sccevola Kcenigii, Vahl. var.

Ohenaupaka. Sccevola glabra , H. & A.

Iliahi.

Sant alum ellipticum , Gaud.

Nohuanu.

Geranium cuneatum , Hook. var.

Puahanui.

Broussaisia pellucida, Gaud.

Akaakaawa. Hillebrandia sandwicensis , Oliv.

Hialoa.

Waltheria americana , Linn.

Aalii.

Dodonoea viscosa, Linn.

Noni.

Morinda citrifolia, Linn.

Ohia-ai.

Eugenia (Jambosa) malaccensis , Linn.

Puapilo.

Capparis sandwichicma , D. C.

Akala.

Rubus hawaiensis, Gray. ?

Papala.

Charpentiera ovata, Gaud. var. ?

THE H A U.

The Hau is found more or less in all parts of the islands from the sea-
coast to an elevation of about one thousand feet. When growing singly it attains
a considerable size ; but where found in groves, it inclines to spread in a dense
thicket not over twenty feet high. When the hau grows as a tree, it attains a
height of thirty or forty feet, with a short crooked trunk two or three feet in
diameter at the base. The tree is a mass of branches and foliage, which renders it
an attractive object at all seasons, but especially so in spring and summer, when
brilliant with its large handsome, yellow flowers.

The flowers only last one day, opening at sunrise and closing at sunset, and
there are no other trees in the islands, and probably few in the world, which
produce such a vast number of blossoms in a single season.

The hau is easily grown by simply planting a branch ; and, although it matures
seed, it is usually propagated by cuttings.

The wood is useful for ox-yokes and other purposes, being light and tough.
The inner bark was formerly much used by the natives for making ropes, net-bags,
kapa (native cloth), and various other articles. The tree is not peculiar to these
islands, being found in most of the Pacific Islands within the tropics. In Tahiti
its native name is “ purau.”

[ i ]

Hau.

PLATE '1.

LE i G

R OTHERS.

THE OHIA-LEHUA.

Metrosideros polymorpha , Gaud. var.

Perhaps, there is more graceful song and story connected with the Ohia-lehua
than with any other Hawaiian flower. It is so well known, and so striking a
feature in the landscape when in full bloom, that it is naturally a favourite with all
classes ; and is always spoken of with that sort of tenderness with which a Scotch-
man speaks of heather. If any particular flower were to be taken as an emblem of
the Hawaiian Islands ; the Ohia-lehua would be most universally chosen, and none
would more deserve the honour. It grows to all sizes, from the handsome shrub
of fifteen feet high, to the forest tree of a hundred.

On the high table-land of Kauai, about four thousand feet above the sea, a
great deal of the lehua is merely a low shrub a few feet in height, but by no
means less beautiful than in the lower country. Indeed, the flowers seem to increase
in brilliancy in proportion as they are found above the sea level.

The wood is very durable, and useful for various purposes, but, unfortunately,
it is not nearly so abundant now as formerly. There are several varieties of the
Ohia-lehua, but the present representation is the most common. A few are found
almost white or pale yellow. In Spring many of the young leaves are of a bright
orange scarlet. These leaves, and afterwards the blossoms, contrast beautifully with
the dark evergreen foliage.

The blossoms are loaded with honey, which is the favourite food of the lovely
“ olokele,” a small bird with brilliant scarlet plumage. Few sights in the Hawaiian
Islands realise one’s dreams of the tropics so fully, as a lehua tree in full bloom,
with olokeles flitting from flower to flower, the birds only distinguishable from the
blossoms by their quick graceful movements.

In New Zealand there are two varieties of the Ohia-lehua, the “ Rata ” and
“Pohutukawa” bearing the same splendid blossoms as the Hawaiian variety. The
rata grows to an immense size, much larger than the lehua. The pohutukawa is
comparatively a small tree, rarely exceeding forty feet in height. It is very interest-
ing to find varieties almost precisely similar under such different conditions of
climate and in latitudes so far apart.

[ ^ 1

OHI A - LEHUA.

PLATE 2.

Leighton Brothers, Printep

THE I E I E.

Freycinetia arbor ea, Gaud.

The Ieie has a luxuriance of foliage, and for several months of the year, a
brilliancy of colour, that is excelled by few Hawaiian plants. It is a strong climber ;
its growth seeming to be only limited by the height of the tree upon which it may
chance to grow. The main stem, which is about eight inches in circumference,
clings to its support by means of aerial roots, and throws out branches every two
or three feet. These branches are crowned with graceful plume-like bunches of
lance-shaped leaves, from one to two inches broad, and about three feet long. In
the centre of each bunch is produced a large, gaudy scarlet inflorescence six or
seven inches in diameter, which continues to expand, as the centre, or fruit, increases
in size, until it fades, and the fruit — oblong in shape, and from eight to ten inches
long — is left to mature. Altogether the ieie is a striking and tropical looking plant;
never failing to attract the admiration of all who see it for the first time. It grows
on the lowlands in wooded districts, but is found in greatest abundance at an eleva-
tion of from one to two thousand feet above the sea. The thick soft bracts of the
inflorescence are not unpleasant to the taste, which the rats, — with their usual
sagacity — have discovered, and in some localities it is difficult to find a perfect
one.

A species of the ieie is found in New Zealand. There the inflorescence is

considered, by the natives quite a delicacy. Its Maori name is Kiekie one of

many proofs, of the close connection of the Maori and Hawaiian races.

PLATE 3. Lf ckton Brothers, Printers.

—

THE P I O I.

Smilax sandwicensis , Kth.

The Pioi is an upland-vine, plentiful in the forest, a thousand feet and upwards
above the sea. It grows strongly, often climbing to a height of thirty or forty
feet ; throwing out tendrils which clasp anything they touch ; and so the plant,
spreading from tree to tree, forms very graceful festoons. It blossoms during
February and March. The leaves are light glossy green, and the clusters of pale
yellow-green flowers have a faint delicate odour. The flowers are followed by
bunches of light yellow berries, rather tasteless, but quite agreeable, which are eaten
by the natives.

In an ancient myth it is related that the queen and people of a certain island
called Ulukaa, used no other food but the pioi — supposing that taro, potatoes,
bananas, etc., were poisonous. Through many strange adventures, as related in the
myth, a Hawaiian prince came to Ulukaa, and being hungry, gladly ate of his
accustomed food, taro, etc., and so taught the queen and her people to use
nature’s more bountiful gifts.

PLATE 4.

THE NUKUIWI.

Strongylodon lucidum , Seem.

This is one of the most beautiful of Hawaiian flowers, both in form and
colour. The plant is a strong climber, the lower part of the vine being four to
six inches in circumference, and so strong that in the old days (when Hawaiians
had many games which have now gone out of fashion) it was used for lele-koali,
“ a swing.” When it grows in the woods it does not usually blossom until reaching
a considerable height, and its graceful clusters of flowers are generally seen hanging
from trees, — upon which the vine has grown, — twenty to thirty feet from the
ground.

The flowers are of that peculiarly delicate half-transparent nature, which artists
in vain endeavour to represent.

The Nukuiwi grows mostly in warm valleys, from a few hundred to two
thousand feet above the sea.

[ 5 ]

Nukui wi

PLATE 5.

le i g-hton Brothers. Printers.

■

THE PUAKAUHI.

Canavalia ensiformis , D. C. ?

The Puakauhi, or awitiwiti, as some of the old natives call it, is a beautiful
creeping — or if it chance to find a support — climbing plant. It grows freely on
the lowlands in favourable situations, and may occasionally be found on the
mountains, but when growing at a greater elevation than a thousand feet, the
flowers are far inferior in colour and brilliancy to those found on the lowlands.

It generally blossoms in April and May. The flowers are of a rich dark
purple — a colour rare in Hawaiian flowers. They grow in pendent clusters, but
not more than three fully open flowers appear at the same time.

Formerly, when the puakauhi was much more plentiful than it is now, the
natives prized it for making necklaces and wreaths — mixing it with the blossom of
the wiliwili which is of a bright orange scarlet — thus forming a pleasing contrast,
very gratifying to their passion for bright colours.

PUAKAUH I.

PLATE 6.

Leighton Brothers. Printers.

mam

THE K O U.

Cordia subcordata , Lam.

The Kou is strictly a lowland tree, seeming indeed to flourish best close to
the sea-coast. It does not attain any great size — seldom being over thirty feet
in height, with a short trunk, rarely exceeding two feet in diameter at the base.

The kou is now rare, but it was once a favourite and frequent shade tree,
for not only was it quick and easy of growth, but it was the tree from which
Hawaiians made most of their handsome and useful wooden dishes. The wood
is soft and easily wrought, yet very durable and of a most beautifully variegated
brown colour susceptible of a fine polish. In spring many clusters of flowers, of
a bright orange colour appear at the end of the branches, gracefully set amid the
light green leaves. The flowers are followed by hard black nuts containing an
edible kernel.

Fifty or sixty years ago, the kou was comparatively plentiful, but even then
it never grew as a forest tree, and was generally found near human habitations.
This has led some to suppose that it was imported at a remote period, and the
supposition is somewhat strengthened by the fact that the same tree is found on
one or two islands south of the equator. This belief, however, is founded upon
such slender data, that it is much more probable the kou is truly indigenous ;
but, from some cause or other, has been gradually decreasing, until, at the present
day, it is almost extinct.

[ 7 ]

THE KOKIO-KEOKEO.

Hibiscus Arnottianus , A. Gray, forma.

This shrub, or tree, generally grows on the sides of rocky ravines, and is
usually found from one thousand to two thousand feet above sea level. It attains
a height of about twenty feet, and, when in full flower, is a most beautiful and
attractive shrub — the delicate white of the petals, and the pink of the showy
stamens, forming a charming contrast with the dark green leaves.

It is quite erratic in its seasons, sometimes blooming late in autumn, and
sometimes in spring; being accelerated or retarded by the wetness or dryness of
the season. It is to be feared the Kokio-keokeo is doomed to early extinction, as
in many places where it was plentiful a few years ago, not a single plant is now
to be seen — owing partly to the ravages of cattle and goats, and partly to the
changing flora of the islands.

No doubt, at one time it formed a frequent and beautiful feature in the land-
scape, as it is often mentioned in ancient Hawaiian songs and legends.

KOKIO - KEOKEO

—

PLATE 8.

Leighton Brothers, pri nters.

THE KOKIO-ULA.

Hibiscus Arnottianus , A. Gray, forma.

The remarks which have been made regarding the kokio-keokeo apply equally
well to the Kokio-ula, as they are almost identically the same, the only difference
being the colour of the flower, which in the case of the kokio-ula is of a brick-
red, while the other is pure white.

This variety is perhaps rarer than the white. Both are now very subject to
blight. This, and the ravages of cattle and goats already mentioned, will soon
make these fine shrubs things of the past.

PL ATE 9 Leighton Brothers, pruters

THE MILO.

Thespesia populnea, Corr.

The Milo, like the kou, cannot be called a forest tree, as it is seldom found

far from the abodes of men, or places which have been inhabited in former times,

seeming, like the kou, to have been planted and cared for by human agency. But
there is no record or even tradition, of its introduction.

It attains a height of from thirty to forty feet, and is a handsome shade-tree.
The leaves are beautifully glossy, and the wind moves them in a most graceful
way, somewhat like the quivering of the aspen.

The milo blooms freely, and flowers may be found almost all the year round.
They are pale yellow; each petal at its base inside, is purple, but this is rarely

noticed, as the flowers do not usually expand more than is shown in the plate.

The tree grows readily from seed upon the lowlands, and seems to resist
blight better than most native trees. The wood takes a fine polish, and was used,
in former times, by the natives for making calabashes.

[ 10 ]

THE

HAUHELE.

The subject of the present plate was once a common flower in nearly all
valleys, and sheltered places ; seeming to flourish equally well on both the leeward
and windward sides of the islands. Now cattle and cultivation have almost
exterminated the plant on the dry lee-side, but it is still frequently met with on
the windward side ; where, owing to the more luxuriant vegetation, many plants,
which have disappeared from the leeward side, are still found.

The Hauhele was once so plentiful in many parts that the aho (thatching sticks)
of the houses were made of the stems, and any one who knows what a great
quantity of a/io, a single, old-fashioned house required, will readily see how
abundant the plant must have been. It attains a height of from eight to twelve
feet, throwing out many branches, which bear showy flowers, and large oblong seed
pods. The flowers last but one day. When they open in the morning, they are a
very beautiful pink, gradually deepening in colour towards night, when they close.
The plant may be found in blossom throughout the year, according to locality, but
it mostly blooms in spring and early summer.

The hauhele is armed with minute prickles, which are disagreeable at all times,
but particularly so as the season advances, and the seed ripens, for then the prickles
are easily detached, and adhere to the hand in a most unpleasant manner.

[ J

THE KOALI-AWAHIA.

Ipomoea ( Pharbitis ) insular is, Choisyv,

The Koali-awahia is the most common, and certainly the most beautiful of the
convolvulus family in these islands. It is not found in the forest, but almost
everywhere else, from the sea-coast to about two thousand feet elevation. It gives,
to plain, hill and valley, a bright cheerful aspect by its most charming colour.
Unfortunately, cattle and horses destroy it, and the koali-awahia is now confined
to places that are more or less protected. Still, the plant is so hardy that it soon
reappears wherever the ground is left to nature.

When the flowers open in the morning, they are of a delicate blue purple
colour, gradually changing through all the shades of purple, to pink, and finally
closing in the evening.

Nothing has a finer effect than grass-land in its original natural state, the tall
orass and shrubs festooned with this beautiful blue convolvulus, sparkling with dew

O',

in the early sunlight.

The stem and roots of the koali-awahia are much used as a medicine by the
natives, and even by many of the foreign residents. Its merits are to allay pain
and prevent inflamation. After being pounded into a soft mass, it is applied to
all kinds of bruises or broken bones, with wonderfully good effect.

1 12 ]

^se-

►— <

. ...

PLATE 12.

THE KOALI-AI.

Ipomoea palmata , Forsk.

The remarks, which have been made regarding the Koali-awahia, apply equally
well to the Koali-ai. The former is perhaps the most common, but they are almost
always found growing together ; and, with their delicate colours and graceful mode
of growth, lend a peculiar charm and beauty to all parts of the lowlands that are
protected from animals.

The koali-ai, as its name implies (koali - — the convolvulus plant, ai — food), was
formerly used by the natives as food, in seasons when their crops of potatoes, etc.,
failed. The roots and main stems were the parts used, and the taste, though
slightly bitter, is not at all unpleasant. The vine is very strong and durable, and
is used by the natives for various purposes in place of cordage.

Formerly it was in much request for house-building — every part of a well
built native house being fastened with the koali-ai — and, as it was protected from
the weather by the thatch, it lasted for a great many years.

The leaves of this convolvulus vary a good deal both in size and form, some
are much more palmated than others, but those represented will be found fairly
typical.

Koali - A 1.

Leighton Brothers, Pri nteks

— r

THE PILIKAI.

Ipomoea Turpethum , R. Br. ?

This is another of the many varieties of the convolvulus family, which grows
so freely all over these islands. As its name indicates (meaning near the sea), it
is usually found on the sea-coast ; but is also met with in the valleys a con-
siderable distance inland. It grows most abundantly on the windward, or wet
side, of the islands. In favourable localities the blossoms and leaves are occasionally
larger, but those represented are of average size.

The seeds are held in much repute by the natives as a medicine.

THE U A L A.

Ipomoea Batatas , Lam.

The Uala, (commonly known as sweet potato), is one of the most widely
distributed plants in the world, being found in almost every part of the globe
which is at all suitable to its growth. Its natural habitat is a warm climate and
rich soil, where it yields immense returns with very little labour. It is either
indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands, or was introduced at such a remote period,
that all record of the event is lost. In New Zealand, on the contrary (where it
is called “ Kumara”), there is a distinct tradition of its introduction.

The uala is propagated by planting pieces of the vine, which grow readily,
maturing in five or six months, and even in less time, under favourable conditions.

Old natives enumerate nearly fifty varieties, but half that number could not be
found in the islands at the present day, as for many years past, the natives have
only cultivated the most easily grown kinds.

In Tahiti, the uala — or “umara” as it is there called, — was never prized very
highly; but in these islands it has always been considered a superior article of
food. On the island of Niihau, where kalo ( Arum esculentum ) is not grown, the
uala has always been the principal means of subsistence ; and considering that this
island was once densely populated, and that the inhabitants are a strong athletic
people, we must conclude that the uala is equal, if not superior, to the far-famed
kalo, as an article of diet. A field of uala in vigorous growth, entirely covering
the ground with dark green leaves interspersed with numerous blossoms, is quite
a pretty sight, but unfortunately it is one that is becoming exceedingly rare, as
the natives year by year diminish in number, and practice less and less their old
healthful modes of life.

[ i5 ]

— 1

—I

THE POHUEHUE.

The Pohuehue is a vigorous and handsome convolvulus, rarely found far
from the sea, and generally growing most luxuriantly on the bare sand-hills,
immediately above high water mark, where the breakers actually reach its long
runners. These runners are often one hundred yards in length, and one root will
sometimes cover an acre of ground. Like all the family, it blossoms most pro-
fusely in the morning, when it vividly recalls —

“The lustre of the long convolvuluses

That coil’d around the stately stems, and ran
Ev’n to the limit of the land.”

The natives use it when fishing, twisting it into long coils, for the purpose
of driving the fish into the nets. The seeds are in much repute as a medicine.

The roots and stems are used as food in seasons of great scarcity, but they

cause vertigo if eaten exclusively for any length of time, an effect which the leaves
also produce upon animals.

The pohuehue is found in most of the South Pacific Islands. In the Society

Islands the name is the same as the Hawaiian— a similarity of nomenclature which
frequently occurs, and is a strong proof how near the Hawaiians are related to their
southern neighbours.

[ 16]

Leighton Brothers, Printers.

THE PUAKALA.

Argemone mexicana , Linn. var.

The subject of the present plate, like all the poppy family wherever found,
is a conspicuous and beautiful object in the landscape.

The flower is a perfectly pure white, generally appearing most profusely in
February and March, when it covers acres of ground with its delicate snowy bloom.
It grows indiscriminately on rich or poor soil, from the sea-coast to a height of
about one thousand feet. The leaves and stems, (as the name indicates— pua-
“ flower,” kala-“ rough”), are very prickly, making it a disagreeable plant to handle,
and even troublesome to walk through when found growing extensively. It usually
attains a height of from three to five feet. The flower is a most difficult one
to represent, as it droops immediately after being gathered.

The puakala was noticed and mentioned by Captain Cook, and is one of the
few native plants which do not seem to decrease, growing apparently as strongly
and profusely now as it did a century ago. The roots contain a large percentage

of opium, which the natives formerly used as an opiate in cases of toothache,
neuralgia, etc.

The seeds have a wonderful vitality, the plant frequently making its appearance
upon land that is allowed to lie fallow — or even upon land over which a fire has
passed where it certainly had not been seen for thirty or forty years, and the
seed must have been in the ground for at least that length of time, being too
heavy to be carried by the wind.

[ 17 ]

Pu AKALA.

PLATE 17

Leighton Brothers, Printers.

THE W I L I W I L I.

Erythrina monosperma , Gaud. ?

The Wiliwili is found in the driest districts, not only sustaining life, but grow-
ing luxuriantly where few other trees could exist. It is seldom more than twenty-
five feet high, rarely having a trunk ten feet clear of branches. The wood, when
dry, is almost as light as cork, and is much used by the natives for out-riggers to
their canoes, on account of its buoyancy. This is one of the few Hawaiian trees,
which shed their leaves in autumn. It blooms in early spring, and the tree may
often be found covered with flowers while the leaf-buds are only forming.

The flowers vary in colour from pale yellow to orange scarlet. There is no
perceptible difference in the trees, but the natives say the wood of those with
scarlet flowers is slightly harder and more durable than the other.

The wiliwili carries its seed-pods for many months, and may be seen with a
profusion of flowers, together with the seed-pods of the previous season. The
pretty bright scarlet seeds were in much request in olden times for lets, (necklaces),
but like many other graceful Hawaiian fashions, a wiliwili lei is now rarely seen.

[ t8 ]

THE POOLANUI.

Coreopsis cos mo ides, A. Gray.

The Poolanui is a spreading bushy plant, five or six feet high, with twining,
interlacing branches, one plant covering from eight to ten feet of ground. It
generally grows under the shade of open forest, in the mountain regions at various
heights above the sea, but seldom less than two thousand feet.

In ordinary seasons, it blooms in April and May, but occasionally flowers may
be found as late as the end of June or beginning of July.

The poolanui is quite a striking flower, not only on account of its size and
colour, but also on account of the great number in bloom at the same time-
giving the sombre forest quite a bright appearance during the spring months. It
is a useful fodder plant, cattle and horses eating it with avidity, but it soon
disappears if constantly eaten down.

The poolanui seems a flower that might be improved by cultivation, and would
doubtless grow from seed under suitable conditions.

Poo LAN Ul.

PLATS 19.

Leighton Brothers, Printers.

THE UKIUKI.

Dianella ensifolia , Red.

The subject of the present plate is a member of the large and varied family
of lilies. Its pretty berries, and graceful leaves marked with bright bits of
colour, render the Uki (as the natives generally call it) a prize to the artist, and
a favourite with all who take an interest in the beauties of nature. The flowers
are small and do not attract notice. It is the berries, — which become a bluish
purple when ripe, — that give the plant its chief attraction, contrasting charmingly
with the yellow, unripe berries and the bright green leaves.

The uki grows on the high lands, the cool air of the mountains seeming a
necessity of its existence. Yet it is not often found in the very damp sunless
regions of the interior ; its habitat being the slopes of mountains, where the ground
is dry and rain not very frequent. It usually grows in isolated bunches, about
three feet high, and, like the majority of Hawaiian plants, has feeble roots, and is
easily destroyed.

The berry is a favourite food of the wild fowl ; but the natives do not eat it,
as they say it contains certain properties poisonous to the human system.

When the natives are upon mountain expeditions, they often use the uki for
thatching their temporary huts, a purpose for which it is well adapted.

PLATE 20.

Uki u ki.

—

THE N E H E.

Lipochceta australis , A. Gray, var.

4 Q .

The Nehe was a very common plant a few years ago. Now, it is rarely found
on any spot that is accessible to cattle. It is a spreading, bushy plant, three or
four feet high, bearing quantities of yellow flowers all through spring and summer.

Although it seems equally at home on low or high land, yet, when growing
upon the mountains, the flowers are much larger, brighter coloured, and finer in
every way, than those found near the coast. The present representation was painted
about three thousand feet above the sea, and, to those who have only seen the
plant near the coast, might seem another species, but in reality it is the same.

The leaves of the nehe are sometimes used like the common tea, by both
foreigners and natives, and have rather a pleasant flavour, besides possessing, it is
said, some medicinal value.

— -

THE O H A I.

Sesbania , ( Agati ) tomentosa, A. Gray.

The Ohai is a beautiful shrub, bearing graceful clusters of dark orange-
scarlet flowers. It is a native of the lowlands on the leeward sides of the islands,
where it flourishes best upon ground that is partially flooded by the heavy rains
of winter. It is a rapid growing plant, attaining a height of eight to twelve feet
in a single season. It grows freely from seed, making its appearance immediately
after the first heavy autumn rains, and by the second month of spring it is in full
bloom, and continues to blossom each spring for a few years ; but the flowers are
finest during the first season.

The seeds are contained in long slender pods, which may be found hanging
on the same branch with the bright clusters of blossoms, and rather adding than
detracting from their beauty.

The ohai was once plentiful, growing singly and in groves ; but since the intro-
duction of cattle the plant has almost disappeared.

[ 22 ]

THE MAO.

Gossypium tomentosum , Nutt.

The Mao is a species of the plant which produces the well known cotton of
commerce. It is a hardy bushy shrub, five to eight feet high, only found on the
lowlands. It is not so plentiful now as formerly, and is hardly ever met with
excepting in protected places. The leaves are of a bluish green, a tint which is
rather uncommon. The flowers are of the beautiful colour known as primrose,
which, as all who have painted flowers are aware, is a most difficult colour to
represent at all resembling nature.

The Mao blossoms, more or less, all the year round ; therefore, both seed and
flowers are found simultaneously.

Altogether, it is an attractive shrub ; the leaves, flowers, and seed, forming a
variety of colour, which is very pleasing. It will be observed that the bolls repre-
sented are of a brown colour, instead of the snowy white of the sea-island, and
other varieties of the cotton of cultivation.

THE A E A E.

The Aeae Is found upon low-lying damp ground on the margin of salt lagoons.
It is quite independent of rain, as it only grows where its roots are nourished by
the brackish water filtering through the soil. In the dry districts it is a valuable
plant for live stock, its thick juicy leaves affording a green wholesome “ bite/’ when
nearly all other plants are burnt up with the dry hot weather of summer and
autumn.

If standing singly, the aeae grows as a pretty little upright bush, two or three
feet high, but when found in great quantities close together, it inclines to grow
prostrate, and the branches become interlaced, forming thickets, which are almost
impenetrable.

The flowers are small, of a pale lilac colour, and not very noticeable, but the
bright scarlet berry — about the size of a currant — is very pretty, and is one of the
few edible berries in the islands. It is quite pleasant and refreshing to the taste,
with a peculiar saline flavour, by no means disagreeable.

The aeae has no stated time of blooming. Blossoms and fruit may be found,
more or less, at all seasons.

[ 24 ]

PLATE 24

Aeae

Leighton Brothers, Printers

THE KAUILA.

The Kauila is a stately forest tree, from seventy to eighty feet in height. The
wood is a deep red colour, very fine in the grain, and is perhaps the most beautiful
of all Hawaiian woods.

It was never a plentiful tree. Now it is extremely rare. It is mostly found on
the lee-sides of the islands, from two thousand to three thousand feet above the
sea. The leaves are dark glossy green, the under-side much lighter than the upper,
and when the wind moves them, the blending of the different shades of green is
very pleasing. The blossoms are small and by no means showy when studied
singly, but when the tree is in full blossom the effect is very fine.

The kauila was highly prized by the natives in olden times, on account of the
beauty and durability of the wood. It was much used for spears, mallets, etc. It
was also valuable for house building.

The Hawaiian mode of building, was to set the pou (side-posts) in the ground ;
therefore a durable wood was of great importance. When a native once succeeded
in building a house of kauila he felt secure for his lifetime ; the thatch being the
only part that required renewing.

I 25 ]

KAU I LA

Lei onto n Brother?, Printers.

THE KOLOKOLO.

Vitex trifolia , Linn. var. unifoliolata.

The Kolokolo is a pretty, and at the same time, a useful plant ; as it helps
to bind the loose sand-hills, with its numerous spreading stems and roots. The
main stems are creeping, and at short intervals send up leafy stalks about two feet
high, the flowers and seeds being produced at the top as shown in the plate. The
kolokolo is sometimes found growing upon soil, but pure sand is its favourite
locality. It is a hardy plant, suffering little from drought, and blooming more or
less all the year round ; but most profusely in spring, when it is a very attractive
object, covering the white sand with its purple flowers and bright green leaves.
The leaves have a pleasant aromatic taste and odour, not unlike sage, for which
they are by no means a bad substitute.

[ 26 j

H-J

Leighton Brothers, Printers*

THE KOLOKOLO- KUAHIWI.

Lysimachia Hillebrandi , Hook. fil.

This plant is only found on the high lands of the interior, from three to five
thousand feet above the level of the sea. Its graceful, drooping flowers grow
on woody stems one to three feet in height.

Often hidden by tall grass or rushes, the flower might readily be passed by
without notice, but, when once known, few Hawaiian flowers are more prized ; not
only for its beauty of shape and colour, but also for its exquisitely delicate odour.

This flower is familiar to few of the foreign residents, and even a great pro-
portion of the natives have never seen it, as they seldom now-a-days visit the
mountain districts where it grows, thus it is truly one of nature’s gems

— “ Born to blush unseen
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.”

There is an interesting superstition regarding the Kolokolo-kuahiwi, which is
as follows. If the flower is pulled, “the tears of heaven” (rain) will fall. So in
the old days the natives were careful not to gather it, as they dreaded the cold
mountain rain, which was very inconvenient during their expeditions.

[ 2; ]

KOLO KOLO - KUAHIWI

f <- - '■ ; t

. '•‘Qzrr

■ _ .. iv:.*sw
. *■ ♦ -

* ■., V.

•4i/-

,*<*'*'

THE NANEA.

Vigna lutea , A. Gray.

The Nanea is a vine which was once plentiful on the lowlands. Now it is very
rare. It is not a deeply rooted plant ; therefore it readily gives way to the more
vigorous growth of imported weeds and grasses.

When growing in a favourable situation, the leaves, which are of a pleasant
refreshing green, quite cover the ground, and they, together with the bright little
flowers, form a pleasing picture.

The nanea is a perennial plant, and blooms freely during spring and summer.
The seed-pods may be found on the plant in all stages of development, simul-
taneously with the blossom. The young pods are light green, gradually changing
to brown, and becoming almost black, when fully ripe.

THE HUNAKAI.

Ipomcea ( Batatas ) acetoscefolia, Choisy.

The Hunakai, as its name (sea-foam) indicates, grows on the actual margin
of the ocean, where the wreck and drift-wood are cast by every high surf ; and
under no circumstances is it ever found far from the influence of the salt sea-air.
The vine grows rather peculiarly, running an inch or two under the sand, and at
short intervals throwing up flowers and little clusters of leaves. The flowers,
although beautiful, are not nearly so attractive when studied singly, as when seen
covering the sand with their delicate bloom set in small clusters of bright tinted
leaves.

Like many maritime plants, the hunakai blossoms more or less all the year
round, depending greatly on the wetness or dryness of the season.

[ 28 ]

PLATE 2 8 . Leighton Brothers, Printers

THE

HOI.

Dioscorea sativa , Linn.

The Hoi is quite a peculiar vine. A curious potato-like tuber grows at the
nodi of the stem, simultaneously with the blossoms. These blossoms are very
minute, growing on a gracefully pendulous stem ten to fifteen inches in length,
which, together with the large dark green leaves, and peculiar tuber above mentioned,
give the plant quite a unique appearance. Formerly, in times of great scarcity of
food, the hoi was cooked and eaten by the natives. It has a very bitter taste, and
was only used in extreme cases of famine. Some of the vines are much larger
than the piece represented, the leaves being often twelve inches across, and the tuber
three inches in diameter. Its favourite locality is rough rocky ground, and it has
the peculiarity of growing equally well on the lowlands and at an elevation of a
thousand feet.

Leighton Brothers, Printsrs,

THE N O H U.

Tribulns cistoides, Linn.

The subject of the present plate usually grows near the sea ; and although it
may occasionally be found a few miles inland, yet it is only upon the sea coast
that it attains full beauty of form and colour. The flowers are in greatest per-
fection soon after sunrise, when they present a beautiful field of golden-yellow, filling
the air with a delicate fragrance. They close at sunset and open at sunrise, gene-
rally lasting only two days ; but there is no diminution of bloom, as there is a
daily succession of flowers as long as the weather continues favourable ; for like
many of the lowland plants, the Nohu is more influenced by the weather than
by the seasons.

The nohu is a prostrate plant, and where it grows vigorously, quite covers the
ground with a close green carpet, very pretty to look at but by no means pleasant
to walk upon — unless one is well shod — on account of the sharp strong thorns
with which the seed-pods are armed ; and as the natives generally go bare-foot, the
nohu, in spite of its charms of colour and fragrance, is not a favourite with them.

[ 3o ]

Nohu.

PLATE 30.

Leighton Brothers, Painters.

THE KAKALAIOA.

Ccesalpinia Bonducella , Flem.

The name of this plant means “thorny,” and it is a most appropriate and
descriptive one, as those who have had their clothes torn and hands scratched by
its sharp hooklike thorns will at once admit. Yet, like all nature’s productions,
the Kakalaioa has its redeeming features. With its graceful inflorescence and
foliage, it covers many a spot that would otherwise be barren, and is always a
pleasing object, if one has the common sense to leave it alone.

It generally grows in rocky places on the lowlands, and by its strong ramb-
ling mode of growth covers everything within its reach.

The plant is altogether too large and spreading to be well represented — only
part of the leaf, which is bipinnate, is shown.

The seed-pods are very curious, being thickly covered with sharp spines, and
are first green, then brown, and when ripe, almost black. They grow in bunches
of from eight to thirteen pods — only two are represented. — When fully ripe, these
burst open, displaying from two to four, round, very hard seeds, about the size
of marbles, which the native boys use in their games instead of the genuine article.

[ 3i ]

t L

Kakal ai o a.

—

PLATE 31.

Leighton Brothers, Pr-intebs.

THE NAUPAKA.

Sccevola Kcenigii , Vahl. var.

The Naupaka is a low spreading shrub, with thick soft branches and fleshy
leaves. It is always found close to the sea, often within reach of the waves.
In sheltered situations it attains a height of five or six feet, but generally it is
not more than three feet high. It bears the scorching heat of summer in a
wonderful manner, and in the driest seasons may be seen with bright green foliage,
when most other plants are bare and brown ; thus giving the sandy beaches where
it grows, a fresh, pleasant appearance.

The flowers and berries are not by any means conspicuous, but are quite
pretty when examined closely.

[ 32 ]

Naupaka .

PLATE 32

Leighton Brothers, Printers

THE OHENAUPAKA.

Sccevola glabra , H. & A.

This is a native of the far misty mountains, from four to five thousand feet
above the level of the sea ; where for more than half the year it is wet with the
mountain rains, and enveloped in the trade-wind clouds.

The shrub attains a height of ten to fifteen feet, growing in the dense woods,
evidently adapted to the humid and cold atmosphere of the bleakest mountain
districts. There it may be seen upon the edge of precipices, exposed to the fierce
sweep of the trade-winds, which gather strength as they rush upward from the
ravines thousands of feet below.

PLATE 33. leichton Brothers, Printers.

—

THE I L I A H I.

Santalum ellipticum , Gaud.

Iliahi — the far-famed sandalwood — is widely distributed throughout the islands

of the Pacific, and fifty years ago was a valuable article of commerce. Immense
quantities were consumed in China, being burnt as incense before sacred shrines
and idols, besides being used in the manufacture of various fancy articles. For
many years, the iliahi was one of the principal sources of revenue of the Hawaiian
kings and chiefs. So vigorously did they prosecute the business of cutting and

exporting it, that they exhausted the supply, and to-day it is a very rare tree,

although frequently found as a shrub.

The iliahi, in its natural state on the Hawaiian islands, was usually a straight
handsome tree, from fifty to eighty feet high, and from two to three feet in diameter

at the base. The wood is hard, of a light brown colour, and retains its scent in

a wonderful manner, even small pieces being quite fragrant after a lapse of forty
or fifty years. The older the tree the more valuable it becomes, as the fragrance
increases with age.

The flower is by no means striking, but in a collection of Hawaiian plants
the iliahi is too historical to be passed over.

[ 34 ]

E-3

THE NOHUANU,

Geranium cuneatum , Hook. var.

This little flower is found on the high, bleak swamp-land of the interior, at
an elevation of about four thousand feet above the sea. The plant is a bushy
little shrub, a foot or so in height, and usually grows among tall grass and rushes.
By its mode of growth and general appearance, the Nohuanu may be considered
one of the few field-flowers which the islands possess.

Few natives, and still fewer foreigners, are acquainted with the flower, as its
habitat is seldom visited by man. There are so few flowers in the islands which
correspond to what are familiarly termed field-flowers, that the nohuanu cannot
fail to recall to the wanderer from other lands the tenderly remembered flowers
of his childhood, “ Gathered when life was new.”

[ 35 J

6 *.

—

THE PUAHANUI,

Broussaisia pellucida , Gaud.

This plant is only found upon the wooded mountains from three thousand to
four thousand feet above the sea, where it grows under the shade of the dense
forest, and where the vegetation is almost constantly kept damp by rain or mist.

It is a pretty, thrifty looking shrub, about seven or eight feet high, and its
large clusters of purple blossoms show to much advantage against the dark green
leaves.

Those conversant with Hawaiian plants may know the Puahanui under some
other name, as it is one of those plants, which, being rather uncommon, are often
confused with something else. This confusion could not have occurred in olden
times, when the great majority of the people knew the names, and understood the
properties of every plant. Now one seldom meets a native who can give any
reliable information on the subject.

[ 36 j

PUAHANU I

PLATE 36.

THE AKAAKAAWA.

Hillebrandia sandwicensis, Oliv.

This is one of the beautiful begonia family; and, like many of its species, has
that peculiar delicacy— almost transparency — which, as has been remarked before,
renders a flower so difficult to delineate. It is a graceful plant from three to four
feet high, spreading from the root into many soft green stems with a profusion
of conspicuously large leaves, each stem producing several clusters of delicate pink
and white blossoms.

It is found in greatest profusion in shady and humid mountain ravines, near
the misty spray of waterfalls, where its delicate clusters of flowers and large leaves
form a picture of great beauty ; especially when seen through the faint rainbows,
which are almost constantly floating in the spray of tropical waterfalls.

Akaakaawa.

PLATE 37.

Leighton Brothers. Printers

THE HIALOA.

Waltheria americana, Linn.

The Hialoa is rather an insignificant looking plant, and is apt to be passed
without notice ; but upon examination it will be found well worthy of a closer
acquaintance. The hialoa appears to greatest advantage in early spring ; for although
it bears the hot dry weather better than many plants, yet it assumes in summer a
faded and somewhat shabby appearance. But in early spring, with its exquisite
bits of colour, and soft corrugated leaves, it is a very pretty plant indeed ; though
one of Hawaii’s humblest.

The hialoa grows everywhere on the lowlands ; and varies from two to six
feet in height. The plant contains a great quantity of gluten, which the natives
turned to account in their primitive days, using the pounded leaves for filling the
seams and cracks of their canoes.

THE A A L I I.

Dodoncea viscosa , Linn.

■

The Aalii is mostly found in the dry districts of the islands, often sustaining
life and vigour on the most arid spots. On the lowlands, and within three or
four miles of the sea, it is merely a shrub from four to eight feet high, but on
the mountains it sometimes attains a height of thirty feet, with a trunk three feet
in circumference. Upon the low dry land, it usually grows bushy, and in groves,
quite shading the ground with its thick foliage, very grateful to the eye in the
blazing sunshine. The blossom is small and insignificant, but the outer covering
(represented in the plate) of the seed, is pretty and bright coloured, hanging in
graceful clusters, reminding one very much of hops.

The wood of the Aalii is exceedingly hard and susceptible of a fine polish.
It is almost identical with the aheahe of New Zealand, so much so that the most
casual observer cannot fail to perceive the similarity. In olden times it was used
by the Hawaiians for making spears and others implements of war — a purpose
for which the Maories used the aheahe.

•

THE N O N I.

Morinda citrifolia , Linn.

The Noni, although usually a shrub not exceeding ten or twelve feet in height,
sometimes attains the dimensions of a tree, and is found — under favourable circum-
stances — from twenty to thirty feet high. It is wonderfully prolific and hardy,
being generally loaded with fruit and leaves at all seasons of the year, irrespective
of rain or sunshine.

The fiuit and foliage are much more attractive than the flowers, which are
small and dull in colour. But it is only in appearance that the fruit is inviting,
being acrid to the taste, yet, in times of scarcity, the natives not only eat it in a
raw state, but by cooking make it, not exactly nice, but much less disagreeable.

The tree begins branching from the ground, and presents a mass of large
bright green leaves intermingled with the fruit in all stages of growth. The
inflorescence of the noni is peculiar, as will be noticed in the plate. From three
to six of the small flowers appear, lasting for a day or two, and gradually drop-
ping off as the fruit increases in size. Meanwhile, another embryo fruit appears
nearer the end of the branch, and so the wonderful process goes on, month after
month, year after year, seemingly ad infinitum.

N o n i . '

PLATE 40.

Le i chton. Bro: hers, Printers:

THE OHIA-AI.

Eugenia (Jambosa) ma/accensis, Linn.

The Ohia-ai is mostly found in sheltered valleys near streams. It is easily
propagated by seed, and grows rapidly, beginning to bear fruit when seven or eight
years old. Where isolated it inclines to grow like a shrub, but, when growing
in groves, or sheltered by other trees, it often attains a height of fifty feet, with
a perfectly straight trunk.

It is a handsome tree at all times, but especially so in spring, when brilliant
with masses of splendid carmine blossoms; and again in autumn, when loaded
with fruit of the same beautiful colour.

The flowers grow directly from the branches, and even from the trunk, giving
the tree a peculiarly rich appearance; and the blossoms are so numerous, that,
when they fall, the ground beneath is covered with a bright red carpet.

The fruit in shape resembles an oblong apple, with a white, juicy, but rather
insipid pulp.

The ohia-ai is also a native of the Society Islands ; where it is called ahia,
and is similar in all respects to the Hawaiian variety.

PLATE \ hr/.' J ■ ' - • .Leighton Brothei

THE PUAPILO.

Capparis sandwichiana , D. C.

This is one of the most beautiful, and characteristic of Hawaiian flowers.
But one of the most difficult to represent, owing to its fragile nature, and also
on account of it being night-blooming. The blossoms open at sunset and wither
soon after sunrise. Under these circumstances, it is no easy task to accomplish

a painting of the Puapilo. The only way of doing so is to begin work at the

earliest break of dawn, and even then the greatest expedition is necessary, as in
an hour or so, the flowers not only fade, but lose their delicate creamy white, and)
become of a dull pink colour.

The plant has no stated time of blooming. Flowers can be found at almost

any season of the year, but in greatest profusion soon after the autumn rains.

The plant is found on the lowlands upon broken rocky ground, its branches spread-
ing over and around the stones, and it may frequently be seen growing on the
face of perpendicular cliffs, with seemingly no soil whatever to nourish its roots.
Perhaps this peculiarity of growing on inaccessible places has saved it from the
ravages of animals, which have destroyed so many indigenous plants.

PLA2JL 42 Leighton Brothers, Printers

THE ARAL A.

Riibiis kawaiensis, Gray. ?

The subject of the present plate is a large and handsome variety of the
common raspberry. It attains a height of from ten to fifteen feet, and produces
a profusion of large beautiful purple berries ; which become almost black when
fully ripe. Unfortunately, the fruit is not so pleasing to the taste as to the eye,
being insipid and flavourless, but its appearance is so tempting, that one cannot
refrain from gathering the delicious looking berries. The Akala is generally found
growing near streams, or on damp ground, far in the cool mountains. It is
rarely seen at a less elevation than three thousand feet. Therefore, its habitat
may be considered a temperate climate. It blossoms in April and May, and is
generally in full bearing about the middle of June, but like many plants of the
islands, its flowering and fruiting seasons vary considerably.

[ 43 ]

PLATE 43.

Akala.

Leighton Brothers, Printers,

THE

P A P A L A.

Charpentiera ovata, Gaud. var. ?

When in full bloom, the Papala has a very peculiar and graceful appearance.
The blossom, by its form and colour, reminds one of the most delicate seaweed.

It comes into flower in April and May, generally continuing in blossom
throughout the summer. The tree attains a height of about twenty feet, and
grows only upon the highlands from two to three thousand feet above the sea.

The wood is very light and porous, and being easily ignited, is used by the
natives for most original and grand displays of fireworks. On the north-west
side of Kauai the coast is extremely precipitous, the cliffs rising abruptly from the
sea to a height of from one to two thousand feet, and from these giddy heights,
the ingenious and beautiful pyrotechnic displays take place. On dark moonless
nights, upon certain points of these awful precipices — where a stone would drop

sheer into the sea — the operator takes his stand with a supply of papala sticks, and

lighting one, launches it into space. The buoyancy of the wood, and the action
of the wind sweeping up the face of the cliffs, cause the burning wood to float in
mid-air, rising or falling according to the force of the wind, sometimes darting
far seaward, and again drifting towards the land. Firebrand follows firebrand,
until, to the spectators (who enjoy the scene in canoes upon the ocean hundreds
of feet below) the heavens appear ablaze with great shooting stars, rising and
falling, crossing and recrossing each other, in the most weird manner. So the

display continues until the firebrands are consumed, or a lull in the wind permits

them to descend slowly and gracefully to the sea.

[ 44 ]

Pap ala.

PLATE 44.

L'€ ! c hto.n 'Brothers, Pri inter

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Full text of "Indigenous flowers of the Hawaiian islands"

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